Live-in care vs care home: Kenn and Nicole’s story
Kenn and Nicole share how live-in care allowed their parents to stay safe and happy in their own home, avoiding the stress of a care home.
Read Kenn and Nicole's storyGet started with short-term care
Need some short-term support at home? Elder can connect you with a self-employed carer for as little as three days at a time.
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What is short-term care?
Short-term care is temporary support provided at home for a few days or several weeks. It’s designed to help older people continue living safely and comfortably in familiar surroundings when they need extra assistance for a limited period of time.
A carer moves into the home and provides personalised support with daily tasks, personal care, companionship, and specialist needs, while maintaining existing routines.
Who is short-term live-in care suitable for?
Short-term live-in care may be suitable if your loved one needs temporary support at home for a limited period of time. It can help when:
- Someone is returning home after a hospital stay
- A regular carer is unavailable
- Extra support is needed during recovery
- You want to trial live-in care before arranging long-term support
- Family members need short-term additional help.
Because care takes place at home, your loved one can maintain their routine and remain in familiar surroundings.
What does a short-term carer do?
A short-term live-in carer provides personalised support at home for a limited period of time. They help older people stay safe, comfortable, and independent in familiar surroundings – whether they’re recovering after a hospital stay, adjusting to changing needs, or requiring temporary additional support.
Some of the daily tasks a short-term carer can carry out include:
Personal care
e.g. help with washing, toileting, and prompting medication
Dressing and grooming
e.g. shaving and hairstyling
Meal preparation
e.g. cooking meals to dietary requirements and tastes
Light housekeeping
e.g. vacuuming, keeping surfaces clean and doing laundry
Running errands
e.g. going to the shops or picking up prescriptions
Companionship
e.g. providing company and encouraging hobbies and interests
Pet care
e.g. feeding and exercising pets
Mobility support
e.g. encouraging gentle and suitable exercise
Light gardening
e.g. watering flowers and keeping pathways clear
Admin support
e.g. keeping on top of post, paperwork, and appointments
Medication prompting
e.g. ensuring medication is taken correctly
Stoma care
PEG care
Wound care
Ventilation and oxygen support
e.g. BiPAP or CPAP Support
Specialist drug administration
including Controlled Drug Administration, Covert Medication Administration,
Glucose readings via finger pricks, Injections, Pessaries, Enemas, Suppositories
How much is short-term live-in care?
On average, families pay £684+ for 3 days, and £1,595+ per week for short-term care on Elder’s platform.
Your arrangement will be between yourself and your self-employed carer, who will use the information you share in your MyElder account to understand the care you require.
How do I arrange short-term care with Elder?
01
Share your care request
Tell us your care requirements using our request form, including the type of care you’re looking for, any specialist skills you need, and what daily life looks like.
02
Select your carer
You’ll start receiving profiles of suitable self-employed carers within 24 hours. Chat to them online or arrange a phone or video call, before choosing who you like best.
03
Manage care
Once your agreement with your carer begins, use your MyElder account to chat with them and the Elder team, manage your schedule and care information, and find respite cover if you need it.
Customer stories: Finding trusted live-in care
Finding the right care can feel overwhelming, but hearing how others made the decision can help. Explore real stories of families who found trusted support through live-in care.
How home care gave Sharon peace of mind
Sharon shares how home care supported her mum Sheila and gave her peace of mind knowing her mum was cared for and never alone.
Read Sharon's story
How live-in care allowed Hayley's dad to remain at home
Hayley shares how live-in care gave her dad tailored support, enabling him to regain his independence after being discharged from hospital.
Read Hayley's storyFAQs about short-term live-in care
Still have questions?0333 920 3648
Explore other care options
At Elder, we provide a full range of home care services to suit every need. If your loved one requires around-the-clock support or occasional help for a couple of hours, these options may be more suitable:
- A carer moves in with your loved one to support them 24/7
- Suitable for people living with conditions like dementia and reduced mobility
- For long-term care needs
- Book as many hours as you need for help in the comfort of your home
- Support with everyday tasks like grooming, walks, cooking, etc.
- From as little as 1 hour per week
Live-in care
Long-term 24-hour support
Visiting care
Flexible home visits
Become a part of the Elder community
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